Actually I had a guy, a professional golf player, who was sick for over an entire year and was basically not able to function and operate. His game was off, and he thought he was just declining at a very rapid rate.
“So, you know, I said ‘Bob let me come and check your home and see what’s going on.’
“And I got to his master bedroom and started looking around and got a flashlight going.
“Every surface in his master bedroom was covered with a thin white film.“
Mold Solutions CEO & Founder, Brandon Faust, February 1, 2024
“And every surface in his master bedroom was covered with a thin white film.
“And that’s actually Aspergillus at its beginning stages.
“So, he didn’t like it cold. He liked it warm, so he didn’t turn his A/C on, and didn’t realize that he was basically poisoning himself because of his humidity levels, and the amount of mold growth or microbial growth [it was causing].
“He came from the West Coast to Florida—and didn’t really understand the climate and how much of an impact that it has.”
The Science Behind this Story
Mold and mildew growth are widely acknowledged as being able to occur when humidity levels are at or above 60%. Florida is the nation’s 4th most humid state and has average outdoor relative humidity levels of 85.58%. When that outdoor air enters an enclosed space, such as a home, the hot moist air alone can contain sufficient moisture to cause mold growth. This growth will occur if factors within the home do not mitigate or lower the moisture content of the air quickly enough—such as running dehumidifiers, ceiling fans, or properly working and in-use air conditioners.
Related References & Resources
- “Mold growing in homes and buildings indicates that there is a problem with water or moisture.” – U.S. CDC, “Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness,” November 14, 2022
- “Keep humidity levels as low as you can—between 30% and 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low.” – U.S. CDC, “Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness,” November 14, 2022
- “To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home: Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can—no higher than 50%—all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low.” – U.S. CDC, “You Can Control Mold,” November 14, 2022
- Learn what the CDC, NIH, Mayo Clinic and other reputable sources say about mold allergies.
- Learn more about how Florida’s humid atmosphere can contribute to mold growth.
- Story as recounted by IICRC & NORMI-Certified Mold Remediation Specialist Brandon Faust, on Feb. 1, 2024.
